Henry's Explosive Performance
When Derrick Henry got the ball in the second quarter, no one expected a 30‑yard burst that would push him past the legendary Jim Brown on the career touchdown chart. That run was just the opening act for what turned into a night of pure power football for the 31‑year‑old Ravens star.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Henry had already piled up 139 yards on the ground and one touchdown. The Bills’ defense finally widened a tiny gap on the edge of the field, and Henry took off like a freight train. He barreled over a safety, shrugged off a linebacker, and sprinted 46 yards down the sideline for his second score of the night. The play stretched the Ravens' lead to 40‑25 and looked like a game‑seal.
Stat‑sheet lovers will note the numbers that underline Henry’s dominance:
- 169 total rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns (30‑yard and 46‑yard runs)
- 107 career rushing touchdowns (tied with Jim Brown, now sixth all‑time)
- 16 carries averaging 10.6 yards per attempt
Beyond the raw numbers, the veteran’s ability to control the clock and keep the ball in the backfield was evident. He ate up time of possession, allowing Baltimore to dictate the pace and keep Buffalo’s high‑octane offense off the field for long stretches.
The Turnover That Shifted the Tide
All that ground‑and‑pound work seemed destined to finish the game in Baltimore’s favor, until a single misstep near the end of regulation changed the entire story. With 3:06 left, Henry took a handoff near the goal line and was met by Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver’s strip‑sack forced a fumble that the Bills recovered.
The turnover gave Buffalo the spark it needed. Quarterback Josh Allen, who had been relatively quiet for most of the game, suddenly found a rhythm. On the next possession, he connected with a receiver for a quick strike, cutting the gap to a single point. A few plays later, Allen slotted a short TD pass, and the Bills took their first lead in the game.
Two swift scores later, Buffalo walked off the field with a 41‑40 win. The final minute was a blur of frantic snaps, kneel‑downs, and a defensive stand that left the Ravens stunned.
In post‑game interviews, Henry didn’t try to hide his disappointment. He said the fumble was “my mistake, my responsibility,” and admitted that the ball‑security lapse will linger in his mind longer than the impressive yardage he accumulated.
The game serves as a reminder that even the most consistent, two‑year‑veteran running backs can see a night of brilliance overturned by a single lapse. For Baltimore, the loss underscores a continuing need to protect the ball in clutch moments, while Henry’s performance reaffirms his place among the league’s elite rushers, regardless of the final scoreboard.
